big sleep
Death.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The old dog finally went to the big sleep.”
“The detective looked at the crime scene and realized the victim had taken the big sleep.”
“After a long and weary life, the philosopher finally succumbed to the big sleep, leaving behind a legacy of profound thought.”
first recorded 20th c. disputed origin
Apparently coined by novelist Raymond Chandler, author of The Big Sleep (1939).
- 01
beauty sleep
Originally, sleep taken before midnight, on the belief that early sleep hours conduce to beauty and health; now (chiefly humorous), sleep at any time needed by one to stay beautiful; (countable) an instance of such sleep.
- 02
big boy
A large object or person.
- 03
big boys
The people or bodies with the most influence and/or power.
- 04
big break
A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.
- 05
big bucks
Lots of money.
- 06
big cheese
A very important figure, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.
- 07
big deal
Something very important or difficult; a matter of great concern; a considerable feat or achievement.
- 08
big dick energy
Unassuming self-confidence.
Last updated August 10, 2026